Sexual Misconduct
It is the policy of the University to provide an environment in which students, staff, and faculty can work, live and study free from sex discrimination, which includes sexual misconduct. Any claim of sex discrimination and/or misconduct is taken seriously. Residential staff act to prevent sex discrimination and will respond appropriately to all reported incidents. Individuals who engage in such behavior may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University Residences and the University; this may include removal from University Residences, expulsion from the University, and civil or criminal prosecution.
Western Washington University prohibits any form of sexual misconduct. Under Washington State’s legislature, Section 516-21-180 and Section 516-21-120, the following forms of sexual misconduct are defined as:
Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, by one person against another person’s intimate parts (genitals or genital area, breast or buttock [clothed or unclothed]). This includes any intentional bodily contact of one's own intimate area with another person. Regardless of your mental or physical state (i.e. intoxication, consciousness, etc.) at the time of the misconduct, you have a right to safety and resources.
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. This includes unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or other unwelcome verbal, physical, or cyber conduct of a sexual nature and can involve persons of the same or different sexes or sexual orientations. Sexual harassment also includes sexual violence, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, stalking, sexual misconduct, and dating violence.
Sex Discrimination: Disparate treatment or disparate impact based on an individual’s sex. This includes sexual misconduct in all its forms—sexual harassment, gender based harassment, and sexual violence, as well as other discrimination that treats or impacts people disparately on the basis of sex, gender, or gender identity.
If an incident occurs to you or you know of an incident, there are multiple resources available to contact:
- Your building staff: Resident Advisor, Resident Director, Assistant Resident Director, Apartment Advisor, Apartment Community Director
- Building student staff report all incidents of sexual misconduct to University Residences professional staff in addition to the Equal Opportunity Office
- Western reporting options:
- Civil Rights and Title IX Office: Old Main 345 | 360-650-3307 | crtc@wwu.edu
- University Police: 360-650-3911 | University Police Website
- Bellingham Police Department: 911 | Bellingham Police Department Website
- Confidential Resources:
- Survivor Advocacy: 360-650-3700 | Survivor Services | available Monday-Friday during business hours. Students need to leave a Voicemail with name and phone number. Students will receive a call back within 24 hours or the next business day if it is the weekend.
- Counseling Center: 360-650-3164 | Counseling and Wellness Center | available Monday-Friday during business hours. Emergency services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, throughout the year to current WWU students by calling 360-650-3164.
- Student Health Center: 360-650-3400 | Student Health Center Website
- Assistance for students who have experienced sexual misconduct
For a full list of campus resources involving sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, please visit the Equal Opportunity Office.
A resource off campus is Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS). DVSAS supports individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation and to lead the community towards ending these abuses of power. Contact information: 360-650-3700, www.dvsas.org, please call 1-877-715-1563 for a 24 hour advocacy line.
Other off campus resources include: